Oil and air flows: your step-by-step guide

Legend for 3 stage:

A- Air in

B- Inlet baffles

C- Inlet filler

D- Flexible connection

E- Inlet guide vanes

F- 1^st stage impeller

G- Intercooler 1

H- 2^nd stage impeller

I- Intercooler 2

J- 3^rd stage impeller

K- Aftercooler

L- Check Valve

M- Modulating blow off valve

N- Blow off silence

O- Oil Tank

P- Oil Heater

Q- Integrated main oil pump

R- Auxiliary oil pump

S- Check valve

T- Thermostatic valve

U- Oil cooler

V- Oil filter

W- Oil demister fan

Filtration

Air enters the compressor through the inlet filter, where it is cleaned before proceeding further.

IGV and 1^st stage compression

Next, the air passes through the Inlet Guide Vanes (IGV) and moves into the first compression stage.

Cooling – 1^st stage

The compressed air flows through Intercooler 1. After cooling, it passes through a moisture separation system equipped with automatic drains to remove condensate before entering the second stage.

2^nd stage compression

The air is then compressed in the second stage.

Cooling – 2^nd stage

Compressed air flows through Intercooler 2, where free water is evacuated.

3^rd stage compression

After passing through Intercooler 2, the air is compressed in the third stage to reach the final pressure.

Cooling – 3^rd stage

The compressed air flows through the aftercooler, and free water is evacuated. Finally, the high-pressure air passes through a check valve.

Blow-off valve

If back pressure rises rapidly, the blow-off valve opens fully to protect the unit. The compressed air is released through a blow-off silencer to reduce pressure.

Oil System

The oil pump draws oil from the sump, circulates it through a thermostatic valve and cooler for temperature control, then filters it for clean lubrication of gears and bearings. After use, oil returns to the sump. Bypass valves protect components and maintain proper pressure.

The sump includes:

• Oil Heater: Preheats oil to the required temperature before startup.
• Demister Fan: Maintains negative pressure without external air supply.